Pandharpur is a famous pilgrimage town located in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. It is renowned for the Vithoba temple, attracting devotees from all over India. Delhi, the national capital, is a major starting point for travelers heading to Pandharpur for religious visits or cultural experiences.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Pandharpur. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical advice on planning your journey smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Pandharpur – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical way to reach Pandharpur from Delhi. Trains offer a comfortable journey with various classes and are well-connected through major railway stations.

• Delhi’s main railway stations like New Delhi (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) have direct and connecting trains to Pandharpur, with travel times ranging from 24 to 30 hours depending on the train service.

• Popular trains include the Pune Express and other long-distance services that stop at Pandharpur station, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares typically between ₹700 and ₹2000.

• Train frequency varies, with several weekly trains; booking tickets through IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during festival seasons when demand spikes.

• Night trains are common on this route, allowing you to save daytime for sightseeing; however, monsoon delays and fog in winter can affect punctuality.

• Onboard catering is limited, so carrying snacks and water is advisable; stations like Manmad and Solapur are major stops with food stalls and restrooms.

Bus

Buses provide a flexible option for traveling from Delhi to Pandharpur, though the journey is long and can be tiring. State transport and private operators run services connecting these cities.

• Delhi’s major bus terminals like Kashmiri Gate ISBT offer buses to Pune or Solapur, from where you can take local buses or taxis to Pandharpur, covering a total distance of about 1500 km.

• Direct buses to Pandharpur are rare; most travelers use a combination of Volvo or deluxe buses to Pune or Solapur, then switch to local transport for the last 100 km.

• Bus fares range from ₹1200 to ₹2500 depending on the service class, with journey times exceeding 30 hours, making it suitable only for travelers comfortable with long road trips.

• During peak festival times, buses can be crowded and bookings should be done early; rest stops along NH48 and NH65 provide basic food and restroom facilities.

• Monsoon season may cause road delays due to waterlogging or landslides in some areas, so check weather updates before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Pandharpur offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The journey covers approximately 1500 km via national highways.

• The most common route is via NH48 passing through Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Pune, then taking local roads to Pandharpur; total drive time is around 26 to 30 hours depending on traffic.

• Toll plazas are frequent on this route, especially near Gujarat and Maharashtra borders; toll charges can add up, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Rest stops with dhabas and restaurants are available every 2-3 hours, with popular stops near Ahmedabad and Pune for meals and fuel.

• Driving during night hours is possible but not recommended due to limited lighting and occasional stray cattle on highways; plan overnight halts in cities like Ahmedabad or Pune.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi, but ensure the vehicle is well-maintained and carry a physical map or GPS device as network coverage can be patchy in rural areas near Pandharpur.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Pandharpur, but flying to nearby airports combined with road travel is a time-saving option for many travelers.

• The nearest major airport to Pandharpur is Pune Airport (PNQ), about 190 km away, with regular flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) taking around 2 hours.

• From Pune Airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Pandharpur, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours by road.

• Another option is flying to Solapur Airport, about 70 km from Pandharpur, but flight options are limited and less frequent compared to Pune.

• Flight fares between Delhi and Pune vary from ₹2500 to ₹6000 depending on the season and airline; booking early can secure better prices.

• During monsoon, flights may face delays; always check real-time flight status and plan road transfers accordingly to avoid last-mile issues.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Pandharpur. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability, especially during festivals like Ashadhi Ekadashi.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a small first-aid kit, as food options can be limited during night travel or on highways.

• Reach the departure station or airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled time to complete security and boarding formalities without rush.

• If traveling by train, confirm your berth and coach number on the ticket and keep your ID proof handy for ticket verification by railway staff.

• For road travel from Pune or Solapur to Pandharpur, pre-book taxis or use trusted app-based cabs to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel on rural roads.

• On arrival in Pandharpur, use local auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws for short distances; negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter usage to avoid confusion.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a photocopy of your ID and keep the original in a safe place; this is important for train travel and hotel check-ins across India.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in Indian travel.

• Book tickets online through official portals like IRCTC for trains and airline websites for flights to get authentic tickets and avoid scams.

• Use prepaid taxi counters at airports and railway stations or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safer and transparent local travel.

• Pack your luggage securely and avoid carrying valuables in easily accessible pockets to prevent theft, especially in crowded stations and bus stands.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check road conditions before starting your journey, as some highways may be affected by flooding or landslides.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Pandharpur depends on weather and festival seasons. Avoiding peak travel times can make your journey more comfortable.

Summers in Maharashtra can be hot, while winters in northern India may cause fog delays affecting trains and flights. Planning your trip accordingly helps avoid discomfort and delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi when Pandharpur sees heavy pilgrim traffic, causing crowded trains and buses.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause road and rail delays due to heavy rains and waterlogging, so plan extra travel time if traveling then.

• Early morning departures from Delhi are ideal to avoid city traffic and catch connecting trains or flights on time.

• Winter fog in northern India can delay trains and flights; check weather forecasts and allow buffer time when traveling between November and February.

Arrival at Pandharpur & What to Expect

When you arrive at Pandharpur railway station or bus stand, you will find basic facilities and local transport options to reach your accommodation or the temple.

Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are the most common local transport modes, with fares negotiable but generally affordable. Prepaid taxi counters are limited, so using app-based cabs is recommended if available.

Popular areas to stay include near the Vithoba temple and main market, offering a range of budget guesthouses and hotels. Booking accommodation in advance during festivals is advisable to avoid last-minute hassles.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Pandharpur is manageable with several options to suit different budgets and preferences. Train travel is the most economical and widely used method, offering direct connectivity and comfort. Flights combined with road travel save time but cost more.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for long travel hours will ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently choose the best mode of transport and enjoy your pilgrimage or visit to Pandharpur without stress.